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Ireland has this enchanting charm that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a fairytale. 

With its rolling green fields, stunning coastlines, and centuries-old castles, it’s a place that feels alive with stories. 

No matter where you are, the beauty of Ireland is something that stays with you.

In this list, I’ve picked out 30 fantastic books set in Ireland that will take you on a journey through its magical landscapes. 

From historical fiction to swoon-worthy romances and thrilling mysteries, these books showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer. 

Must-Read Books Set in Ireland To Enjoy

1. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Dorian Gray is a handsome young man who becomes so mesmerized by his own beauty that he wishes he could stay forever young, even at the cost of his soul. 

With his mentor, Lord Henry, encouraging a life of indulgence and excess, Dorian’s choices begin to take a dark turn, but his portrait bears the consequences while he remains untouched. 

Wilde’s novel is full of drama and intrigue, and it explores vanity, morality, and the impact of living without conscience. 

This is a story that really makes you reflect on the nature of beauty and youth.

2. Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy

This heartwarming novel follows Benny and Eve, two best friends from a small town, as they move to Dublin to pursue their dreams. 

At university, they meet Nan and Jack, and together they form a circle that will go through both joyous and painful moments. 

Love, betrayal, and personal growth come together in this beautiful story about friendship and change. 

Maeve Binchy’s writing makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters, experiencing their triumphs and struggles as they learn about life and themselves.

3. Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt

In this powerful memoir, Frank McCourt tells the story of his challenging childhood in Limerick, Ireland, during the Great Depression. 

Though his family struggles with poverty and his father’s alcoholism, Frank’s remarkable storytelling abilities shine through. 

With humor and grace, McCourt recounts his tough experiences and the love of his mother, Angela, who kept the family together. 

Angela’s Ashes is moving, funny, and full of heart, which makes it a deeply emotional journey of survival, family, and hope.

4. In the Woods by Tana French

In a quiet Dublin suburb, a young girl is found murdered in the same woods where, years ago, detective Rob Ryan had a mysterious and terrifying experience as a child. 

As Rob and his partner, Cassie, investigate the case, long-buried memories begin to surface, and the connections between this crime and Rob’s past slowly unravel. 

In the Woods is beautifully written, full of suspense and rich with emotion, and it digs into how the past shapes who we are and the secrets we can never fully escape.

5. Trespasses by Louise Kennedy

Trespasses takes place in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, where Cushla, a schoolteacher, gets caught up in a forbidden affair with Michael, a Protestant barrister who defends IRA members. 

As the world around her grows more dangerous, Cushla must decide where her loyalties lie – whether with her community, her family, or the man she loves. 

This novel is tender and heart-wrenching, and it offers a deep and emotional look at love, loyalty, and the impact of conflict on personal lives.

6. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Connell and Marianne’s relationship starts in high school, where they couldn’t be more different – Connell is popular and well-liked, while Marianne is an outsider. 

But when they begin a quiet, yet intense friendship, their lives become intertwined in a way neither could have expected. 

This one is about love, friendship, and finding yourself.

And, it really speaks to the complexities of growing up and the relationships that shape us, so it’s easy to see why so many people connect with it on such a personal level.

Best Historical Fiction Books Set in Ireland to Read

1. The Wild Irish by Robin Maxwell 

This is a fierce, empowering story about two strong women – Grace O’Malley, a pirate and warrior, and Queen Elizabeth. 

Grace leads the Irish resistance against English rule, and she’s not afraid to challenge the queen herself. 

The book is a thrilling ride, with a ton of courage and grit. 

Grace is the kind of character who really sticks with you, and it’s inspiring to see her fight for Ireland’s freedom. 

Definitely a book for anyone who loves a good, strong female lead!

2. Ireland by Frank Delaney

If you love stories within stories, this one’s for you.

It follows a young boy named Ronan who, in 1951, hears a master storyteller weave magical Irish tales that change his life. 

These stories are rich with history, mythology, and wisdom, and they make you feel like you’re right there in the heart of Ireland. 

It’s a lovely, heartwarming book that celebrates the power of storytelling and the soul of Ireland. 

You’ll find yourself lost in the stories, just like Ronan.

3. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín Eilis 

Lacey’s journey is one that will tug at your heartstrings. 

She leaves Ireland for Brooklyn in the 1950s to start over, and while she makes a new life, she finds herself torn between two worlds. 

It’s a quiet, emotional story about love, loss, and finding a place to call home. 

There’s something so relatable and tender about Eilis – it’s the kind of book that makes you reflect on the changes we all go through as we grow and find ourselves.

4. The Irish Princess by Karen Harper 

This one’s full of intrigue, bravery, and a bit of romance.

Gera Fitzgerald is a strong, rebellious woman from a royal Irish family who has to navigate the dangers of the English court after her family is torn apart by Henry VIII. 

She’s smart, bold, and determined to get her family’s honor back. 

Watching her fight for what’s hers – while keeping a soft spot for those she loves – makes for an exciting, emotional read that’ll keep you turning pages.

5. Galway Bay by Mary Pat Kelly 

This book spans generations, and it follows the Keeley family as they endure the Great Famine and the hardships of emigrating to America. 

It’s a powerful and emotional story about survival, sacrifice, and hope for a better life. 

The characters feel so real, and their journey from Ireland to America is one that’ll stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. 

It’s a beautifully told story of family, love, and the spirit of the Irish immigrant experience.

6. The Year of the French by Thomas Flanagan 

Set during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, this one is for anyone who loves history and drama.

It’s about a group of Irish patriots who, aided by the French, rise up against English rule – only for things to go terribly wrong. 

The story takes you deep into Ireland’s history, and shows us their rebellion, loss, and the fight for freedom.

Top Irish Mystery Books Set in Ireland to Read

1. The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

In a small Irish village, Lib Wright, a young English nurse, is sent to investigate an 11-year-old girl, Anna, who hasn’t eaten in months yet seems perfectly healthy. 

Lib expects it to be a hoax, but as she spends more time with Anna, she begins to doubt everything. 

Is Anna a miracle or is there something darker going on? 

This story is full of tension and love, and it makes you wonder how far you’d go to protect someone you care about.

2. The Station Sergeant by John McAllister

Station Sergeant John Barlow’s life is turned upside down when a local farmer is found dead, and he’s forced to deal with everything from a crime ring to a troubled family. 

Barlow’s personal life is unraveling, and he’s facing a tough battle with a new District Inspector who wants him gone. 

But no matter what, Barlow is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder in his community. 

3. Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent

Sally Diamond does something strange – she disposes of her father’s body in the trash when he dies, which sets off a series of events that unravel her dark past. 

As Sally learns more about her childhood and starts making new friends, a stranger from her past threatens to destroy everything she’s built. 

This is a gripping psychological suspense book that keeps you wondering what’s real and what’s not.

4. The Killer in Me by Olivia Kiernan

Detective Frankie Sheehan is investigating a series of murders that may be connected to a decades-old crime involving a man who was convicted of killing his parents – only he claims he’s innocent. 

As Frankie digs deeper into the case, secrets from the past start to resurface, and the line between truth and lies becomes harder to see. 

5. Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara

Anya’s peaceful bath turns into a nightmare when she hears a noise from her attic, only to see a masked figure descend. 

Within seconds, Anya is dead, and her old friend Julia starts seeing eerie footage of a masked intruder in her own attic.

As Julia realizes she might not be as safe as she thought, she’s dragged into a chilling mystery. 

This one has all the thrills of a great psychological mystery with an unsettling twist that’ll keep you glued to your seat.

6. Holding by Graham Norton

Sergeant P.J. Collins is tasked with solving a long-unsolved crime in a small Irish village, but it’s no easy feat. 

The discovery of human remains forces P.J. to confront the secrets of the community’s past, including a former lover’s disappearance.

With Graham Norton’s wit and humor, Holding brings to life a quirky village filled with deep emotions and dark secrets. 

7. Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose

Ciara Dunphy has the perfect life – or so it seems. 

When she’s found murdered, her seemingly perfect world unravels, and the other mothers in her circle are forced to confront their own secrets. 

Mishti, a woman struggling with her own issues, may know more than she lets on. 

This twisty mystery explores love, jealousy, and hidden lives in a small Irish village.

8. TransAtlantic by Colum McCann

TransAtlantic is a beautiful story that weaves together three remarkable journeys across the Atlantic, from an early flight attempt in 1919 to a senator negotiating peace in 1998. 

At the heart of it is a series of women whose lives are impacted by the events of history. 

It’s not a typical mystery, but rather a profound exploration of how personal stories ripple through time and history. 

A must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction with emotional depth.

Best Romance Novels Set in Ireland to Read ASAP

1. Chasing River by K.A. Tucker

Amber’s ready for a fresh start in Dublin, but after nearly dying in a freak accident, she ends up in the debt of a mysterious stranger, River. 

When she tracks him down to say thanks, sparks fly, but River’s got some heavy family drama and a lot of baggage. 

They couldn’t be more different, but there’s something about him she can’t resist. 

This is one of those stories where you know love’s not supposed to happen but it does anyway.

2. Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

Jude is trying to find herself in Ireland, and she settles in a cottage full of Irish magic and ancient myths. 

There, she meets Aidan, a local who is as charming as he is mysterious. 

Together, they dig into Irish legends and find a love that’s just as captivating as the stories Aidan shares. 

This one feels like getting lost in the beauty of Ireland, with a side of romance that tugs at your heart.

3. Kiss of Fate by S. Young

Fionn Mór was once a mighty king of Ireland, but after making some tough choices to protect his loved ones, he’s left with a burning desire for revenge. 

Rose, a woman who’s just discovered her own mysterious powers, gets caught up in his plans. 

As they journey through Ireland, their connection deepens, but they both have so much baggage. 

4. The Rebound by Catherine Walsh

Abby’s life has totally flipped upside down, so she returns to her childhood home in Ireland to lick her wounds. 

There, she bumps into Luke, a super charming guy who offers her a ride and gets under her skin in the best way possible. 

The only problem? He’s actually the boy next door she hasn’t seen in years.

Their chemistry is instant, and the laughs come easy, so you’ll be rooting for Abby and Luke the whole time.

5. Love & Luck by Jenna Evans Welch

Addie’s trying to escape her heartbreak when she finds herself on a whirlwind road trip through Ireland with her brother and his cute friend, Rowan. 

Along the way, Addie discovers that the healing she’s been searching for might just come from facing her past and finding peace with her family. 

This is one of those feel-good reads with a ton of heart, and Ireland’s stunning scenery makes it even more magical!

6. Devil of Dublin by B.B. Easton

Brandy returns to her childhood home in Ireland and reconnects with Kellen, a guy from her past who’s been shrouded in mystery and darkness. 

As old myths and new dangers unravel, their connection grows deeper and more intense. 

This is a dark, emotional romance with just the right touch of Irish folklore to keep things intriguing and passionate.

7. P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern

Holly’s life was turned upside down when her husband Gerry passed away, but he left her a series of letters to help her heal and move forward. 

As she opens the letters, Holly finds out more about herself, her friends, and the future she never expected. 

This lovely book will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of love to help you heal.

8. What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

Anne travels to Ireland after losing her grandfather, only to find herself mysteriously transported back in time to 1921, where she’s mistaken for someone else entirely.

As she tries to survive in this dangerous new world, she falls for Dr. Thomas Smith, and their love story becomes part of Ireland’s fight for independence. 

It’s a story full of heart, history, and a love that crosses time – definitely a page-turner you can’t miss. 

9. The Irish Goodbye by Amy Ewing

Cordelia’s life is at a standstill after a family tragedy, so she heads to Ireland for a fresh start. 

There, she meets Niall, a local chef who’s as grumpy as he is handsome. 

Their bickering soon turns into something more, and this rivals-to-lovers romance is full of tension, humor, and undeniable chemistry. 

Plus, Inishmore’s charm makes the perfect backdrop for their fiery relationship.

10. A Crack in Everything by L.H. Cosway

Evelyn’s life changes when Dylan, a mysterious guy with a passion for scent, enters her world. 

Together, they learn more about love, loss, and all the messy beauty of life. 

It’s a bit unconventional but oh-so-moving – full of raw emotion and a connection that goes deeper than either of them expected. 

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Ireland’s beauty and charm shine through every page, and I can’t wait for you to read these stories. 

Tell me, which one are you adding to your TBR?

Let me know in the comments! 

And if you’re craving more bookish goodness, check out my related posts for even more amazing reads.